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"Encouraging and Supporting Women Physicians & Dentists Through Connecting, Inspiring and Equipping."

ABOUT US

Women Physicians & Dentists in Christ (WPDC) is an outreach ministry to provide resources for Christian women physicians and dentists to integrate their personal, professional and spiritual lives. We encourage and support Christian women and physicians as we share the unique challenges of our multiple roles. To learn more about our ministry and stay abreast of events, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, the PULSE. And be sure to plan to attend our annual conferences and virtual conferences.

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Our Mission

Women Physicians & Dentists in Christ provides a ministry of true belonging, support and equipping to address the unique challenges of women physicians desiring to glorify God.

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Our Vision

Women physicians and dentists complete in Christ ministering through medicine.

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Core Values

Biblical Authority  - 2 Tim 3:16, All scripture is inspired

Integrity - Titus 2:7, Colossians 4-6

Authentic Friendships - John 15:12-13, Love one another

Grace-filled Haven - Hebrews 4:16, Grace in time of need, Women physicians complete in Christ, thriving in service

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

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Conference Brochure

Annual 2023 WPDC Conference Schedule, Presenters, & CE

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2023 WPDC Conference

Join us at the beautiful Sonesta Hotel in Hilton Head Island for our Annual 2023 WPDC Conference

September 7-10, 2023.

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Conference Fact Sheet

We are so excited you will be joining us! Here is some info for attendees.

COMMISSION MEMBERS

Chair
Chair

Connie Hahn, DO

Vice Chair
Vice Chair

Sarah Rahkola, MD

Secretary | Treasurer
Secretary | Treasurer

Marilyn Whitney, MD

Past Chair
Past Chair

Regina Frost-Clark, MD

Past Chair
Past Chair

Patti Francis, MD

Commission Member
Commission Member

Holly B. Austin, MD

Commission Member
Commission Member

Katherine Bertolino

Commission Member
Commission Member

Andrea Braun, MD, PhD

Commission Member
Commission Member

Martha Courtwright, MD

Commission Member
Commission Member

Elisa M. Ghezzi, DDS, PhD

Commission Member
Commission Member

Jordan Immel, DMD

Commission Member
Commission Member

Madie Hartman, DO

Commission Member
Commission Member

Lynn Hickman, MD

Commission Member
Commission Member

Nancy Mabe, MD

Commission Member
Commission Member

Mike Chupp, MD, FACS

LOCAL WPDC BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

We are excited that these groups are a local resource for women involved in WPDC. If you know of any such groups in your area, we would appreciate hearing about them so we can also post them. Please contact the WPDC Administrator.

California
California

Where: Walnut Creek location varies - in Lafayette or Alamo (San Francisco Bay area).

When: Once a month (date set at end of each mtg.) Usually last Thursday of the month for lunch.

Contact: Patti Francis, MD

California
California

Where: Location varies (Sacramento area).

When: Meets periodically. Contact Darilyn for details.

Contact: Darilyn Falck, MD

California
California

Where: Fresno, Clovis and surrounding areas.

When: 1st meeting June 1st.

Contact: Janice Stain, MD

Colorado
Colorado

Where: Dr. Hotchkiss' home in Greenwood Village.

When: Academic year, every Monday 6:30-8:30 pm; Summer, Saturday twice a month brunch 10-12 noon.

Contact: Nahid Hotchkiss, PhD, 303-941-6348

Florida
Florida

Where: "Nurturing Hearts Café" group meets at Panera or at homes, Orlando.

When: Monthly beginning in the fall.

Contact: Dr. Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever (Dr. Mari)

Georgia
Georgia

(Atlanta Area): Welcomes physicians, dentists and all female healthcare professionals.

Meets once a month for dinner, fun, fellowship, laughter, encouragement and games. Location varies/usually held on a weekday evening.

Contact: Natalie

Georgia
Georgia

Where: Dr. Polite's home in Marietta.

When: Once a month, Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.

Contact: Natalie Ali, NP

Illinois
Illinois

Where: North suburbs of Chicago.

When: various days and times.

Contact: Karyn Herndon, MD

Illinois
Illinois

Where: Wheaton

When: One Saturday Monthly 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Contact: Beth Larson, MD

Kansas
Kansas

Where: Greater Kansas City area, meetings held at Dr. Hickman's home in Gardner, Kansas (southern suburb).

When: Every other month, Sunday afternoon. Call Lynn for address.

Contact: Lynn Hickman

Michigan
Michigan

Where: It varies; Grosse Point/St. Clair Shores in suburban Detroit.

When: quarterly / 2nd Wed of Jan/April/July/Oct, 6:45-9p.m. Usually on 2nd Wednesday but subject to change.

Contact: Dr. Regina Frost

Minnesota
Minnesota

Where: Brenda Abraham's home, Minneapolis/St. Paul.

When: 2nd Wed. of each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Contact: Barb Bittner, MD

Missouri
Missouri

Where: Dr. Josephine Glaser's home.

When: Now meeting quarterly for Saturday breakfast and fellowship.

Contact: Josephine Glaser, MD

New York
New York

Where: Rochester, NY at the home of Heather Ma.

When: First Friday of each month.

Contact: Heather Ma

Ohio
Ohio

Where: Home of Dr. Leslie Walker in Shaker Heights, OH.

When: 7:30 p.m. every 2nd Friday.

Contact: Dr. Leslie Walker

Ohio
Ohio

Where: Panera Bread, Clintonville.

When: Monthly, every 3rd Friday.

Contact: Joy Walton, MD

Texas
Texas

Where: San Antonio

When: Every other Monday evening.

Contact: Mitzi Roberts

Texas
Texas

Where: Houston

When: Monthly

Contact: Dr. Andrea BraunDr. Pam Liang

GET INVOLVED WITH WPDC

An annual four-day conference for Women Physicians & Dentists in Christ providing opportunities for fellowship, continuing education, networking and spiritual growth & refreshment. The conference offers This conference offers educational opportunities each year. Online registration and the downloadable form are available using the button below.

GPS Retreats
GPS Retreats

Grasping Power through Surrender (GPS)

If you are interested in having a GPS retreat in your area, get together two or three interested graduate physician colleagues and let us know by emailing us at wpdc@cmda.org. WPDC will provide the facilitator, support and advertising to bring together 6-8 female physicians for a Thursday-Sunday GPS retreat. Or if you would like to attend a future retreat in a different area, please email us.

Women Physicians & Dentists in Christ holds events throughout the CMDA National Convention specifically for WPDC members to fellowship and renew their faith.

FRIDAY MORNING – WPDC Breakfast
FRIDAY NIGHT – WPDC Game Night
SATURDAY EVENING AFTER PLENARY – WPDC SOCIAL

All WPDC events are open to any female healthcare professional attending the CMDA National Convention.

Marriage Enrichment Weekends
Marriage Enrichment Weekends

A weekend conference provided by CMDA's Marriage Commission specifically for WPDC members and their spouses. Save the date for the next WPDC MEW February 23-25, 2024 in Monterrey, California which will offer an opportunity for participants to grow and nurture their marital relationship. Details TBA.

WPDC has been used mightily by God to show His love to prostitutes and trafficked women in Nicaragua through a commitment we made to the women at House of Hope through Go International.

Contact WPDC

  • By subscribing to Pulse I agree to receive other information/mailings from WPDC (WPDC will never sell or give your information to any third party).
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Our History

In April 1992, Rev. Marti Ensign became the first director of this outreach, which provided resources directed toward women physicians and dentists, conferences to meet their specific needs and a close-knit network to help them share and grow in Christ. In 1993, members of the (newly formed) WIMD Commission attended the American Medical Women's Association meeting, where many expressed an interest in CMDS. In April 1994, the first CMDS/WIMD national convention was held in Philadelphia.

In 2000, Rev. Marti Ensign retired from the leadership of WIMD and Harriet Askew became the new director. She worked on behalf of the ministry from 2000-2002. Since 2002, WIMD has created a monthly e-newsletter that is sent out to thousands of women. With the e-newsletter, WIMD can reach women all over the world and in return receives many responses including prayer requests, needs and useful suggestions.

In 2002, the Commission members realized their desire to personally minister to the women professionals of CMDA, and therefore, the ministry paradigm was restructured. The WIMD Commission hired its first administrative assistant in the fall of 2002 and its first full-time administrator in January 2014. WIMD now has yearly conferences in different regions of the United States to minister to the growing number of women physicians, dentists and medical and dental students.

In 2021, the name was changed to Women Physicians & Dentists in Christ (WPDC) in order to reflect the heart of the organization, Jesus Christ. The mission of this commission has not changed-the ministry continues to be focused on Christian women physicians, dentists and the students in these professions.

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wpdc@cmda.org